BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The "hard" forward sought by Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray might very well be right under his nose.

Is it a stretch to think Matt Puempel could make the jump from Binghamton to Ottawa next season as a 21-year-old? A few months ago, the answer to that would have been yes. But the 24th pick in the 2011 entry draft turned a corner after his first Christmas as a pro, and now there's a belief that, with a strong playoff and solid summer under his belt, Puempel will "challenge" for a job in Ottawa at next September's camp.

Is it a stretch to call Puempel a "hard" player? Apparently not. Along with scoring 30 goals that gave him a share of the team lead, the 6-foot, 196 pounder had 94 penalty minutes, which included eight fights.

Is it a stretch to call Puempel a "hard" player? Apparently not. Along with scoring 30 goals that gave him a share of the team lead, the 6-foot, 196 pounder had 94 penalty minutes, which included eight fights.